Trees, shrubs, forbs and grasses. Home ranges and populations and benefits to other species.

It will take place June 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Morgan County Board of Education located at 247 Harrison Avenue, Berkeley Springs, W.Va. 25411. The session is free. Please call 304-258-8400 to register.

NRCS is announcing a ranking period for its Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP). All applications for program benefits received by June 14 will be ranked and considered for funding in July.

"WHIP funds structural and management practices designed to increase food, shelter and nesting habitats for various species of wildlife across the state," says Greg Kist, Acting West Virginia State Conservationist. "Common practices in the program allow the creation of habitat by cutting back woodland borders, fencing sensitive habitat areas, restoring streams and planting warm season grasses."

There are a variety of different species targeted in this program from cottontail rabbit, grouse, mussels, trout and various song birds. A special effort in West Virginia is the Golden Winged Warbler Initiative. This bird's population is declining rapidly. They usually inhabit early successional, cutover or timbered woodland habitat at elevations over 2,500 feet above sea-level.

To help improve wildlife habitats in your area or to obtain further information about WHIP, please contact your local USDA NRCS office or go to www.wv.nrcs.usda.gov. Applications are taken throughout the year and ranked during announced periods to determine funding allocations.

The Berkeley County Extension Office will be closed Monday so that we can spend time with our families and honor those who served and those who continue to serve our country in the Armed Forces. Thank you, members of the Armed Forces, for your service to our country.